The owner/operator program is suitable for senior managers and/or business owners looking to start a business and operate it inside Canada with an eventual possibility for permanent residency.
The advantages of this program are that your family can stay with you and work/study. Children at the elementary and secondary levels can attend free public schooling.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
- We recommend a minimum $225,000 investment and net worth close to $500,000;
- The investment amount should be acceptable for the type of business and scale;
- Minimum 51% ownership of a new or existing business;
- Minimum hire 1 Canadian in the new business (typically more hiring of Canadians expected);
- Applicant should have experience and knowledge in the industry to be accepted;
- Professional / Business profile of the applicant is extremely important.
Advantages
- IELTS/TEF is not mandatory (however should be able to communicate when arriving at the Canadian border);
- Can choose which city/region to invest/live;
- No competition amongst other applicants to be selected;
- No third party verification on assets in the home country;
- No education requirements (if not interested to pursue Permanent Residency application).
Disadvantages
- Not an automatic path to PR nomination;
- Have to be able to achieve a min IELTS 6.0 (in all 4 categories) to be able to be selected for PR through Express Entry FSW after min 1-year work in Canada. Possible options are available for the spouse if employed also;
- All points mentioned in the advantages (which are not mandatory) should be noted would become mandatory if the applicant chooses to convert to PR through Express Entry after minimum 1-year work experience.
